COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Columbia State took an early lead and never trailed Friday night, taking a 10-point lead into halftime and never letting Walters State back in it in a 106-87 victory inside Webster Fieldhouse in a Tennessee Community College Athletic Association men's basketball contest.
The Chargers (17-7, 6-6 TCCAA) shot a blistering 62.3 percent (33 of 53) from the field in the win, and they were even more efficient inside the 3-point arc. Columbia State made an astounding 23 of 32 attempts for a 71.9 percent clip, and it was 10 of 21 from 3-point ranged 30 of 39 at the free throw line. Throw in a 33-22 rebounding advantage, and it was more than enough to overcome a double-double from Walters State's Kajuan Hale.
Hale recorded 23 points and 11 assists in the contest, leading the Senators (17-7, 8-4 TCCAA) to a team total of 24 assists in the game to only eight turnovers.
Hale's big night was overshadowed however, as Columbia State's Jeremiah Alexander notched a triple-double with a game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds along with 10 assists. Alexander was one of five Chargers to reach double figures in scoring for the hight scoring team in the TCCAA, as Lorenzo McGhee (22), Gary Grooms (21), Jaden-Stanley Williams (12) and Jonathan Bolden (10) all led the home team to the victory.
Columbia State built the lead to 10 by halftime, taking a 45-35 margin into the mid-game break, and that only set the stage for an offensive explosion in the second half by both teams. Walters State never got closer than 66-58 with 13:28 left after a 3-pointer from Deontae Davis, as the Chargers scored 40 points in the final 13 minutes and 61 points in the second half to claim the win.
The Senators scored 52 points in the final 20 minutes, but it wasn't enough on a night where Columbia State seemingly couldn't miss. Walters State shot 50 percent itself, making 31 of 62 shots from the field and 8 of 13 from 3-point range.
Miles Thomas had another solid effort for Coach Bill Carlyle's club, as the sophomore recorded 17 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in the contest. Paris Taylor added 14 points, while Davis rounded out the double figure scorers for the Senators with 13. Jaden Lewis added 7 points, while Khiry Shelton (6), Demontay Dixon (5) and Josh Dykes (2) all contributed for WSCC.
The Senators will be back in action this evening with a 5 p.m. tipoff against Jackson State. The game immediately follows the Lady Senators game against the Lady Green Jays at 3 p.m.